First Sentence

Blakemore Supernatural Prison #1

by Sullivan Gray

I always wanted to walk through the doors of a prison....
...I just never thought I'd be doing it as a prisoner.

Since I started working as a Healer at Blakemore Supernatural Penitentiary, things have been ... strange.

Not just the weird vampire feedings and the unknown virus.

But the sudden changes in ME. I'm a Healer. I should only have one power.

Now I can not only read thoughts through touch, but when I'm angry ... let's just say that things get HEATED. And if I'm scared? I freeze whatever I touch.

As if trying to navigate (and hide) my new powers isn't enough, I have to deal with HIM.

I've already learned a hard lesson about trusting inmates. I won't make that mistake again.

Except ... Kurt seems different. He saved my life during a breakout, for one thing.

And he's right in the center of the shady business with vampires and their blood.

It might be time for me to return that life-saving favor.

Except doing so may result in me staying behind the walls of Blakemore ... permanently.


First Sentence takes place in the Supernatural Reform School world, where you'll see what happens to Kurt after he graduates!!

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2020

About the author

The only thing that Sullivan Gray loves more than writing is reading. And maybe coffee. She writes in a variety of YA genres. In addition to the Blakemore Paranormal Academy series, she is the author of Pariah, the first in a contemporary YA spy series. When not writing, she's helping her husband wrangle their five kids and hosting the Create If Writing Podcast under her other name, Kirsten Oliphant.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally

Kurt and Kali get their Happily Ever after. I was surprised to what the father admitted too about her DNA. He was truly evil. I don't normally read young adult books but I'm glad I did.

[Nisareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the previous instalment, Kalli found herself trapped in the Healers Ward during an attempted prison break. Surrounded by violent inmates, Kalli placed her trust in the enigmatic vampire Kurt, with whom she felt a connection. Later, while defending herself, Kalli’s dormant powers inadvertently caused the death of two prisoners. To protect Kalli, Kurt made it seem as though the prisoners had been ravaged by vampires and protected her secret.

Six weeks later Kalli is still reeling from Virgil’s murder as well as the deaths of the two prisoners that she was forced to kill in self defence. She decides to quit lest someone discover the truth. On her last day however, she is appalled when Kurt is brought into the infirmary on the verge of death. Kalli can no longer ignore her feelings for the cocky irascible vampire or the secret experiments that are being conducted at the prison. She vows to get to the bottom of whatever is going on.

Enlisting the help of a friend, Kalli, arranges for Kurt to be broken out of the prison. What she fails to realise however, is that not only has Kurt been working undercover with the Enforcers to get to the bottom of what is happening at Blakemore but that he has also discovered the true target of the prison breakout six weeks earlier - Kalli herself...

First Sentence is the satisfying conclusion to the Blakemore Paranormal Prison duology. Powered by adept character development and relentless pacing this book was compulsive reading with action interspersed throughout.
By alternating between Kalli and Kurt’s point of view, the author enabled the reader to have a deeper insight into the thoughts and feelings of both protagonists. Kalli’s development over the course of both books was exceptional. Her strength and resilience prevail despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As a fan of Kurt I was happy to see him finally obtain his HE as he truly deserved it.

Readers familiar with the prequel Blakemore Paranormal Academy books will delight in the return of two beloved characters. I was grateful that the author gave us a sense of closure to what had previously been a love triangle.

All in all this was an exciting, fast-paced read with well-developed characters that are a pleasure to either root for or hate. All the action scenes kept me on the edge of my seat and several twists had me gasping aloud in shock. While it’s always sad to say goodbye to characters that one has become invested in, I was pleased with the way that the author managed to tie up all the loose ends in a way that was neat and satisfying. The Supernatural Reform School world has been a delight from start to finish and I can’t wait to see what the author has up her sleeve next.

Ideal for fans of YA vampires, psyches, Fae, werewolves, dragon shifters, dryads, prison settings, secret experiments, strong heroines

[Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence is the final book in a duology by Sullivan Gray. The first book being Patient Zero. First Sentence has us returning to Blakemore prison with Kalli, Kurt and the completely obnoxious Patrick.

If you love magic, fae, a prison setting, sweet revenge and some hilarious jealousy then check out this series. Seriously, Kalli is definitely not a damsel in distress, she can hold her own and it's completely satisfying.

5*****

[Ana-Maria Derzsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

The story, the characters the ending the whole serie left me in awe!

Even from the first book "Patient Zero" the serie left me wanting for more because it was different and so intriguing. A young 18yo girl working in a prison with a bunch of supernatural beings? That was new level for me.

This time the love story in the book was different. They didn't started showing their emotions right away, or being very romantic towards each other, they were thinking about their feelings but never showed them until the end of the book.

The love story got more concrete towards the end, which made the wait WORTH IT!! The ending of the book was unexpected. I was indeed longing for that type of ending and I wasn't disappointed when it happened.

For non-native English speakers the books were very easy to read, simple but so powerful. They transported me into another world, new feelings and new experiences. It's definitely worth reading them both so you can get the bigger picture, even tho you can read "Patient Zero" as standalone.

Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
Instagram
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
Facebook

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE THRILLING ADVENTURE!!!
Dirty deeds! Sullivan brought her unique style and pizzazz to this action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, hot little number, revving up the adrenaline and engaging the thrill, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Quirky mishaps and surprising happenstance, showcase the formidable trials and thrilling tribulations, stumbling through the crazy twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they never saw coming. Bearing the burdens and taking down foes with this pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping whirlwind, ratcheting up the exuberance and intensity, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. Twixt, twinned and interwoven, exposing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations along with a slew of shocking twists and startling turns, rolling with the current and breaking waves, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting the drama, intrigue, danger, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a double dose of chicanery while dodging disaster, you have one sensational experience. The characters are complex and realistic with qualities, traits and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and blend smoothly. Fantastic job Sullivan, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence (Blakemore Supernatural Prison Book 2)


Wow 😮 🤩 … It’s filled with so many surprises and twists, I laughed, cried and was angry but I could not stop reading every page … it was after 6 am this morning when I was finally finished with both books… I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series… love ❤️ love ❤️ love ❤️ Gray Sullivan……. love ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 how each of her books are interconnected but different enough to keep you coming back for more. Plus, love to see and read about past characters..
Loved Cade and Bash…. My heart broken 💔💔 for Kurt to think he had to do this to fill his void heart ♥️, but I always say, we always find the person we are meant to be sometime in our lifetime….

DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS WHOLE SERIES !!! ALL OF HER BOOKS 📚 !!!!!!
If you are reading this Ms. Gray, please think about a series with everyone getting together a few years down the road and sharing their stories…. Or something even if is not a series … a long book would be great !!!

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalli and Kurt #sosweet 💖

Finally our Kurt got his so deserved love, yes!!!... Kalli is so awesome, strong, determined, powerful and, most important, always does the right thing, even if some times it's hard for her 🤗... Kurt, oh you already know him but, reading about how Kalli makes him feel, makes him love, makes him fight harder, oh my, I love him even more!!! 💕
Their adventure at Blakemore Prison is full of action, angst and heartache 😓😳😭... But with the help of the Enforcers and some dragon royalty we already know and love, they finally defeat the bad guys and got that sweet and heartmelting HEA!!! 😍❤️
This book is amazing, 💯 recommended!!! 💞

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is based on my thoughts after receiving an arc copy from the author.

The feels! The action! The familiarity of characters known and loved from previous books! Miss Gray more than delivers in this heart-wrenching, emotional tale with an ending that will leave you happy but still wanting more!

We asked for more Kurt and we got it - in spades! The darkness that is Blakemore prison gets darker while Kurt and Kallie race to escape, save themselves and each other and try to figure out what's really going on, who's behind it all. Explosive reading, total page turner that will leave you breathless and keep you up reading on and on long after you probably should have gone to bed!.

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of drama, romance, twists and turns.
Kallista knows there’s something bad going on at Blakemore Penitentiary. To many vampires are getting sick and vampires never get sick! All Kalli can think of is how Kurt helped her during the attempted prison break. When Kurt starts getting sick she decides she is going to get the vampires out.
The characters are amazing and you see some other alumni of Blakemore Academy. You will be dragged into a plot that sucks you in and won’t let go.
Recommend this book highly.

[Megan Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence is the second in a duology and the story takes place straight after the events of Patient Zero.

We get thrust back into the lives of Kalli and Kurt and the action picks up right where we left off.

The plot is fast-paced but the relationships develop at a believable rate and really have you rooting for the characters.

I liked the introductions of Brock, Cade and Bash and thought the ending was just perfect. As much as I would like to see more of this world, I don't think we need to with an ending as neat and tidy as this one.

Great book.

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another amazing hit by Sullivan Gray. The story reels you in from the first chapter. The characters are real enough to feel like you know them, and seeing an old familiar (and personal favorite) from her other series was fantastic! I love how all her books are interconnected but different enough to keep you coming back for more. The ending left me hanging on to hope that book 2 wont take too long. I need more!

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Kurt

I have loved Kurt since the first time we met him, and in this book he just bumped it up a notch. From the very first chapter of this book you will be sucked in and you will not be able to stop reading. A few familiar faces show up to help out, and the chemistry between Kurt and his little star is epic. The Blakemore series has been just amazing and this book is no different.

[Charlynn Potgieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC kindly exchanged for an honest review.

First sentence was a fast paced urban fantasy novel. I enjoyed the plot and the romance was sweet. I liked that it's set in a prison and that the supporting characters of this novel have their own personalities and are not just filler to focus the attention on the main character.

Things I liked about the novel include:

* I liked the overall plot it was interesting and kept me wanting to find out what happens next.
* I liked the characters. I particularly liked the main characters best friend. I hope he gets his own novel. I found myself smiling when reading parts of this novel and the exchanges between the two main characters was flirty and fun.
* I like that it was a fun read and that everything was tied up nicely in the end. The story was different and I'm a sucker for the main protagonist having mysterious powers. I loved the surprise at finding out what she is!

Things I not necessarily didn't like but that didn't appeal to me include:

* the pacing of the novel was hard to follow now and then. It was fast paced but almost too fast paced. Overall I don't think it affected the story too much.
* the main characters insta love was not the greatest for me. It was a sweet, clichéd romance just not too believable when fitted into the storyline pacing. (ps there's nothing wrong with cliche I like a good romance same as the next person, I just didnt connect properly to theirs)
* the storyline was abit sparse but the novel is on the shorter side so that could be why I felt the storyline was a tad rushed however the content of the plot was very interesting and kept me guessing.

Overall this was a fun, fast read. I feel there is potential for this series. This isn't a plot heavy book and has an insta romance so if you are looking for something quick with a cute romance then I'd recommend this.

Plot: 2.5/5
Romance: 2.5/5
Caracters: 3/5
Writing: 3/5

Overall: 3/5

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circling the vamp drain...

So Kalli is figuring out her odd new powers & trying to get a handle on them, while Kurt is trying to figure out what's going on with the vamp drains & stay alive at the same time

The story is suspenseful & exciting in all the best ways! And omigosh that ending left me with goosebumps, lol

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic

[Cheyenne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read and great ending!

This was a satisfying book to read. It was so nice to see Kurt's HEA! Kurt and Kalli are great characters--very interesting, I thought. The plot was fast-paced and kept my attention. Is recommend this book/series to people who enjoy clean urban fantasy books.

[Devon Banta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, but too short

I really enjoyed this book, as I do all of SG’s books, but this one felt pretty short, which is good if you want a quick read, but not so good if you’re enjoying reading it and don’t want it to end. As usual, the characters are fun and well-developed. I especially liked the dryad.

[Paranormal Tendencies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that an author has done their job well when what they have written makes you feel. This book made me feel all the feels. I felt as if I were right along side Kalli as she went through the adventure in this book. I enjoyed the ride and am so thrilled with how her story ended!
5 stars for First Sentence!

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kali and Kurt for the win! They have chemistry on the pages of this book. After reading patient zero, I needed this book so badly. The story grips you and you just get consumed within the pages! Amazing story and the action, adventure and romance will have you squealing with joy. Absolutely wonderful to read and get lost into!

[Joanna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets you hooked in fast. Hard to put down Great characters and storyline. Love that old characters we know from other books are in this one. The dramatic ending was over pretty quickly - but still good.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and that’s characters especially Kurt. I loved the way these books suck you in and don’t let you go until you’re finished reading. Kurt and his little star are my favorite people and he deserves some happiness. It’s nice reading about some old faces.

[Cleocutie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series full of diverse characters and plenty of action and suspense to keep you interested.

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Great conclusion. Loved the characters and their ending. There were some innuendos but not crude or too much. I enjoyed it very much.

[Jennifer Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story immensely and like Kurt and Kalli. While you don’t have to read Patient Zero, I highly recommend it since it’s a good story and you see where Kurt and Kalli meet. There’s a lot of action in this one with surprise along the way.

Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a blast to read. I loved Kurt's character in the Blakemore Academy Series. I knew he wasn't going to get the girl then but I really wanted a HEA for him. He's such a great guy. Enter Kallista. She's perfect for him. Though she's certain she can't fall for him because he's a "felon" (hahaha, that's so not Kurt!) the chemistry and connection is undeniable. I truly enjoyed reading this. Thanks, Sullivan Gray, for giving Kurt the best ending!

[Emerald Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action, romance, and humor! There were so many plot twists, and there was so much suspense that I read this book in one day! I loved that Kurt got his own story and that it was with Kalli who is caring and has cool, unique powers! I highly recommend this book!

[Sue MacKenzie]

Well worth my time and money

I had to find this to read after coming across the story before in a boxed set.
I don't do that very much, it was so worth it too.